Railroad car sold for $1,500

How much is an old railroad car worth? In the case of an abandoned coach car in Leavenworth, the answer turned out to be $1,500.

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By John Richmeier

The Leavenworth Times - Leavenworth, KS

By John Richmeier

Posted Jun. 26, 2013 at 9:30 AM
Updated Jun 26, 2013 at 9:32 AM

By John Richmeier

Posted Jun. 26, 2013 at 9:30 AM
Updated Jun 26, 2013 at 9:32 AM

How much is an old railroad car worth? In the case of an abandoned coach car in Leavenworth, the answer turned out to be $1,500.

That's the amount offered by the winning bidder for an old Amtrak car located on city property near the Missouri River.

City officials announced in May that the train car was being put up for sale. The car came into the city government's possession when the city purchased property at 801 N. Esplanade St. in December 2010. An old grain elevator is located on that property as well as the railroad car, according to Assistant City Manager Paul Kramer.

The 85-foot car was built in 1949 by Pullman Standard. It accommodated 54 passengers and also had restrooms. It apparently was used by Amtrak at one point. It was moved to its current location by the river in the mid 1980s.

The issue of selling the railroad car was brought to the City Commission last month after a representative from a train salvage company approached city officials about acquiring the car.

Kramer said this man ultimately was not the person who purchased the car.

Two bids were submitted for the car. The winning bid was from Roger Meyer in the amount of $1,500, according to City Clerk Karen Logan.

The other bid submitted was for $687.82. The bids were opened June 13.

Kramer said Meyer apparently plans to scrap the train car.

"He's interested in the metal," Kramer said.

A condition of the sale of the railroad car is its removal from city property. Kramer said Meyer was given 90 days to remove the car.